2004 Kia Optima vs. 1988 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 2004 Kia Optima is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Lotus Esprit would be higher. At 2,398 cc (4 cylinders), 2004 Kia Optima is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Lotus Esprit (215 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 77 more horse power than 2004 Kia Optima. (138 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 2004 Kia Optima. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Kia Optima weights approximately 361 kg more than 1988 Lotus Esprit.
Because 1988 Lotus Esprit is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1988 Lotus Esprit. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 Kia Optima, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 1988 Lotus Esprit (298 Nm) has 99 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Kia Optima. (199 Nm). This means 1988 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Kia Optima.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Kia Optima | 1988 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Kia | Lotus |
| Model | Optima | Esprit |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1988 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2398 cc | 2174 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 215 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 199 Nm | 298 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 87 mm | 95.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 100 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 8.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1549 kg | 1188 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1160 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 2440 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 31 L |
